Key Takeaways From Lions vs. Bucs Week 2 Movie Review

– Brian Branch’s INT came with him playing the role of a shallow stealer, with Kerby Joseph singled and the CBs in man coverage. Mayfield clearly didn’t expect him to have that kind of quick range and not take the cheese on the center either. Great play that not many people are going to make. This is exactly why the Lions moved Branch to safety.

– Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp appeared to be content to give the touchback on the new kickoff. The Bucs did not return a kickoff.

–Jack Fox had a net output of 33.5 yards per punt, but both of his punts were intercepted inside the 20-yard line, one at the 9-yard line and one at the 13-yard line. That was a pretty good job by Fox despite what the numbers might suggest. The punt coverage unit was effective.

–Sam LaPorta didn’t have a good blocking game, especially in the red zone.

–Alex Anzalone suffered his concussion on Mayfield’s final touchdown drive when he and Derrick Barnes collided just behind Mayfield crossing the goal line.

– WR Tim Patrick moved like a tight end, but he got open and blocked well in his first game with the Lions. He’s not fast by any means, but he knows how to use his size. He earned more reps moving forward in my eyes.

– Terrion Arnold’s pass interference penalty looks weaker and weaker every time I watch it. Rookie had a very impressive game in man coverage overall. Zone, unfortunately, is going to be a work in progress.

–Goff has attempted a throw in the end zone on the Lions’ last 19 plays in the red zone, a crucial throw to Williams who was double-covered. More than half of them didn’t have a viable receiving target in the end zone. That’s Ben Johnson’s fault, not Goff’s.

– The costly fumble at the end of the first half was the result. Yards gained on a checkdown to St. Brown were for naught, and only one of four receivers crossed the goal line on a run on that play. When the clock is as big an enemy as the defense, that’s a wasted down and precious seconds.

–Also on Johnson: Lateral running choices. The Bucs are a speed-based defense, especially after Vea went out. Having runs designed to go east-west before going north-south is a huge tactical mistake. None of them worked, except for Gibbs’ final run.